Which south pacific island is best

Have you always felt drawn to the South Pacific , with its promise of castaway, palm-dotted islands and footprint-free sand? To make the most of visiting, you need to find the island that fits, as each has its own distinct personality.

Out of all the South Pacific islands Audley offers, French Polynesia is probably the most unabashedly photogenic. Some overwater bungalows such as those of the InterContinental Resort and Thalasso Spa have entirely unobstructed views. On a trip to Bora Bora , you can take 4x4 tours of the verdant, mountain-spiked interior of the island, investigating overgrown bunkers from World War II and the eerie, mossy stone heads of abandoned maraes — sacred sites once used by the indigenous Maohi.

On Moorea, you can hike to waterfalls. And, if you want a real contrast to the polished resorts of mainstream French Polynesia, you could take an adventure cruise to the utterly remote Marquesas Islands.

Here, you can explore untouched volcanic landscapes and mystery-enveloped tiki sites, learn about local crafts and visit the grave of Paul Gauguin. The Cooks dance to their own relaxed tune.

If it feels as though everyone knows everyone — well, they do. Adding to the mood of the Cooks is the fact that there are no high-rises: nothing higher than a palm tree, local laws stipulate. Nor will you find chain restaurants, and there are no blockbuster resorts. The islands are much less developed than French Polynesia. The mind boggles.

Stay close to Tahiti and explore the volcanic Society Islands. While Moorea and Bora Bora are well known for their romantic offerings there are islands next door — such asTa'haa and Huahine — that are every bit as picturesque, but with no visitors.

Alternatively, discover the world's best diving sites in the Tuamotus, or ancient ruins in the jungles of the Marquesas, or whales in the Australs. Locals on islands beyond the Society Islands speak little English. Air Tahiti fly all over the four archipelagos. Sleep in an over-water bungalow in the world's most famous lagoon at Four Seasons Bora Bora.

See f ourseasons. Go beyond the capital, Port Vila, and you'll find Vanuatu is as wild as you want it to be. Home to plus islands, the country offers everything from some of the world's best wreck-diving to its most accessible live volcano and, arguably, its best beach.

Vanuatu has the right blend of adventure mixed with luxury. While there are death-defying river rafting trips and volcano tours, there are also resorts set on private beaches where there is nothing to do. Vanuatu is one of the Pacific's poorest nations, so infrastructure isn't up there with Tahiti or the Cook Islands. Malaria is also present outside the main island, Efate.

While Efate is where most travellers go, it's worth flying beyond to Tanna and Espiritu Santos. Less than 50 minutes away, Espiritu Santos is home to Vanuatu's most luxurious resorts including private island retreats but some locals still carry bows and arrows to town.

The SS Coolidge — the world's best wreck dive — sits just off its coast. On Tanna, you can sit on the rim of an active volcano and watch lava shoot into the air. April to September is most comfortable. Direct flights take four hours. See breakas. Despite being just three hours from Australia's east coast, the Solomons remain a mystery.

The ethnic violence which plagued these islands is now decades-old. It's safe, but those seeking a little "wildness" on holiday will cherish the opportunities. The adventure hearted can live out childhood fantasies on islands spread across kilometres of the Pacific. Travellers can stay in traditional villages, though luxury resorts are now all across its Western Province. Malaria is present here. It's worth considering malaria medication and avoiding the wetter months. The Solomons are one of the world's premier diving destinations — home to live-aboard dive vessels and dive resorts particularly in the Western Province.

While the variety of marine species is among the world's best, its waters are also littered with World War II wrecks.

You don't even have to dive to see them: relics of fierce fighting are everywhere. Its surf breaks also fly under the radar for most travellers. May to October is driest and coolest. There's no real high or low season, though surfers should visit between November and April. Stay on your own private island in the Western Province at Sanbis Resort.

See sanbisresort. You heard of it? Niue may be the smallest country in the Pacific — but it's the world's largest raised coral atoll and creatures of the deep come closer to shore here than they do anywhere on Earth.

Looking for that far-flung South Pacific experience? This is it. There's little tourism infrastructure and just locals, so come and fulfil those Robinson Crusoe fantasies.

There are only two flights a week — and they're from Auckland. The positive is you know arrival numbers will be limited. There is no better place to observe humpback whales so close to shore. Niue is a raised coral atoll in the middle of the ocean so the water around it is very deep close to land — migrating humpback whales and their calves swim 20 metres from the shore.

At night you'll hear them slap fins against the water. You're allowed to swim with them here. The deep water makes this a fishing mecca, and the diving and snorkelling are world-class.

Temperatures range between degrees year-round, though January to March can be wet. Niue is located halfway between Tonga and the Cook Islands. Watch whales from your outdoor bath at Lau's Getaway. See lausgetaway. This is old Polynesia — everything runs on island time, governed around siestas.

There are islands but only 40 are inhabited. Mass tourism has yet to come to Tonga, so you're experiencing one of the best parts of Polynesia almost entirely for yourself. It's not legal for anyone to be shirtless in public and Sundays are a sacred day when everything shuts down. Tonga is a conservative place run by the Pacific's only remaining monarchy. The 50 or so islands of Tonga's northern group — Vava'u — are full of uninhabited beaches that are among the Pacific's finest.

Charter a yacht to explore. Whale swimming tours are plentiful and are available throughout Tonga, but are best in Vava'u. Summer can be wet and cyclones can occur — while May to November never goes below 18 degrees. Tonga is five hours' flying time from our east coast and Virgin Australia flies direct from Sydney. Stay on your own private island at Fafa Island Resort. See fafaislandresort. Regarded as the world's last frontier, the reputation of its capital, Port Moresby, has kept most travellers at bay.

There are few roads beyond Moresby, just flora and fauna seen nowhere else on Earth. One of the last countries travellers can truly get off the beaten track.

Getting around requires small plane rides there are airports or boat journeys to destinations where few have been before you. Most of the dangers of the country are found in its largest urban centres — avoid Port Moresby, Lae and Mount Hagen. Several companies sail the waters off PNG's east and north coast where there are hundreds of off-shore islands offering access to otherwise isolated communities. Here you'll find some of the best diving, snorkelling and fishing on Earth.

The crystal-clear water, warm sunny weather, and pristine white-sand beaches make these places undeniably stunning. The tourism infrastructure varies island to island, but most destinations have regular flights with straightforward connections, which means most Pacific Island holidays are cheap and easy. Read on to see which South Pacific Island is best for your next holiday…. You get the picturesque Polynesian landscape and unparalleled hospitality, with all the safety and infrastructure from New Zealand — this makes it the best South Pacific Island for family trips.

Rarotonga is home to an assortment of kid-friendly resorts and has ample outdoor activities such as snorkelling, golf, tennis, sailing or scuba diving to keep the whole family entertained. Browse a few Cook Islands Hot Deals! This is pork slow-cooked in an earthen oven with taro root and other local produce, and it is just as delicious as it sounds. Fiji is the most popular island in the South Pacific, attracting more than , visitors each year, which is nearly the same as the rest of the islands combined.

Still, the island has managed to retain that wild and exotic feel. Fiji boasts incredible landscapes, lush tropical and pine vegetation juxtaposed against white sandy beaches and pristine blue-green waters.

Its waters host an abundance of marine life and vibrant soft coral reefs which makes it an ideal location for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. The island is full of top quality resorts with all family-friendly amenities parents can need. Also, there are plenty of adventure or relaxation opportunities around. Their generous and warm spirit wraps around you like a big hug. Kava : Fijians consider it their national drink.

Quite different from alcohol, a kava ceremony is very important in Fijian culture and tradition — a must-experience! For those of you who want to enjoy a fresh-baked baguette with your breathtaking beach backdrop, Tahiti is for you. The lovechild of French and Polynesian culture, Tahiti and Her Islands are all about luxe living in the lap of nature.

Tahitian resorts incorporate opulent European refinements with laid-back South Pacific style — try French sophistication with an island chill-factor — a truly winning combination.